Ashford Kent Under 12 Rugby

New archive for Ashford RFC Under 14s

2006-05-01T13:19:00.000+01:00

From today, 1st May 2006, the team are renamed the Ashford U14s, the name they will use for the 2006/7 season. A new press report archive has been set up for the team in readiness for the next season. See Ashford U14s match reports. The team's main website remains unchanged. See http://www.Ashford-junior-rugby.info.

May 2005 - End of an era

2005-05-11T14:21:00.000+01:00

From May 2005 the 2004/5 Ashford RFC Under 12s are renamed the Ashford Under 13s. This site will remain as an archive. The blog will transfer to a new URL at http://ashfordu13.blogspot.com. The team's main website will remain unchanged at www.ashford-junior-rugby.info.

Ashford RFC Under 12s Match Report 10th April 2005

2005-05-03T17:35:00.000+01:00

Ashford fail narrowly in valiant attempt to secure Kent crown

Ashford 10 (2 tries) – Erith 0 (Walkover)
Ashford 25 (5 tries) – Thanet 0
Ashford 20 (4 tries) – Blackheath B 0
Ashford 5 (1 try) – Blackheath A 10 (2 tries)

Ashford’s brave Under 12s narrowly failed in their attempt to take the Kent title losing out by 2 tries to 1 to reigning champions and eventual tournament winners Blackheath A. The Ashford team had set their stall out to win the main event with forwards Billy Stevens and Christopher Albrow working in unison to power through their weaker opponents. The team cruised through their qualifying group with a walkover against Erith – who failed to field a team on time and then easy wins against Thanet and Blackheath B.

In the quarter final Ashford faced Blackheath “A” – 3 times winners of the Kent championship. Ashford opened strongly winning a scrum against the head and immediately pressuring the Blackheath line. Until this point in the tournament, both Ashford and Blackheath had kept clean sheets. The deadlock was broken after four minutes when lock George Morgan picked up from behind a ruck on the half way line and fed fly half Louis Burdon. Burdon burst through two Blackheath tackles and sprinted towards the try line. Unfortunately, 2 metres short he was high tackled around the head. Despite the illegal tackle Burdon still placed the ball well and hooker George Sladden followed up to scoop up the ball and dive over to open the scores. Ashford were ahead but their jubilation was tempered by the loss of Burdon who left the field for treatment. This required the team’s backline to be reorganised.

Early in the second half Blackheath, twice broke through Ashford’s disorganised defence to take a two tries to one lead. But Ashford weren’t finished. They mounted a massive effort to breach the Blackheath line. From a series of lineouts and scrums Ashford drove towards the Blackheath line. At one Blackheath kicked high and long out of defence. Fullback Daniel Head chased back and made an overhead catch worthy of an American Football running back. Regaining his bearings, Head coolly sidestepped the onrushing Blackheath players and linked with his forwards to set up another attack. Despite leading 2 tries to 1, Blackheath were now on the back foot. Fly half Burdon rejoined the fray and only desperate – and illegal - Blackheath defence kept the Ashford team at bay. Inside the last minute Ashford won a penalty that saw prop Stevens batter his way towards the line. He was held up just short and the team recycled possession and forwards Glenn Caton, Albrow and Morgan all making forceful attempts to cross the line. With the clock running down, Ashford were just 18 inches short of the try line when a Blackheath player killed the ball at a tackle. As Stevens, back on his feet, wrestled for the ball with the infringing player, the referee blew for the Blackheath infringement - and then inexplicably called time. Ashford had been denied by gamesmanship worthy of a premiership side.

In many respects, despite the defeat, the match represented the team’s performance of the season. It was fantastic squad performance. The side has made much progress in the last 12 months and now know the measure of what’s required to become Kent Champions. They will be back in September ready to challenge for greater honours.

Apart from George Sladden other try scorers at the tournament were Chris Albrow and Harry Atkins with 2 apiece, and Luke Chinnery, Billy Stevens, George Morgan, Grant Noremac and Harvey Piper with one each. Player of the week was Daniel Head.

Ashford RFC Under 12s Match Report 3rd April 2005

2005-05-03T17:30:00.000+01:00

Ashford forwards power to clear win over Middlesex side Ruislip.

Ashford 30 (6 tries) – Ruislip 0
Ashford B 5 (1 try) – Ruislip 15 (3 tries)

In recent weeks the Ashford Under 12s have played sides from Hertfordshire, Wiltshire and Essex. This weekend they had the luxury of a home fixture courtesy of touring Middlesex side Ruislip.

Ruislip came to Ashford on the second day of their Easter tour. The previous day they had managed a 3 tries all draw with Canterbury. As a result they may have arrived at Kinney’s Field with the wrong impression of the competitiveness of Kent Under 12 rugby. They would find the Ashford Under 12s a different proposition from their east Kent neighbours.

From the kick-off the Ashford boys put the visitors under immediate pressure. In the opening exchanges, Ruislip’s forwards appeared taken aback by the power and physical presence of the Ashford pack. With prop Billy Stevens to the fore, Ashford’s forwards dominated possession spending the whole of the first half pressuring their opponent’s try line. The opening score came after just 2 minutes when hooker George Sladden stole possession from a Ruislip scrum and captain Chris Albrow dived over to score the first try. From the restart, Ashford charged upfield and resumed the pressure on the visitors try line. Despite crossing the visitor’s line on several occasions Ashford were unable to ground the ball cleanly. Eventually, breaking quickly from the scrum, Albrow pounced on a defensive error and scored his and the team’s second try.

The second half saw Ashford execute their task much more cleanly and they began to convert pressure into points. Backs Luke Chinnery, Harry Atkins, Adam Batt and Harvey Piper all scored tries to make it a convincing 6 tries to nil victory. One of the highlights of the second half was when Ruislip made a rare foray into Ashford territory and stand-in fullback Chinnery made his best tackle of the season.

The development squad also put in a strong performance losing to Ruislip by 3 tries to 1.

“A” team player of the week was Patrick MacEnri. Development squad player of the week was William Mowl.

Ashford RFC Under 12s Match Report 20th March 2005

2005-03-22T16:27:00.000Z

Albrow leads depleted squad to power packed performance

Woodham Ferrers 14 – Ashford 7
Ashford 21 – Chelmsford 21

As part of their build-up for next month’s Kent Festival, the Ashford Under 12s travelled to Essex on Sunday in search of some stiffer competition. From experience, Essex sides have a more physical approach to the game – particularly in the forwards. Unfortunately, the extended travelling distance meant that the team travelled with a depleted squad of just 15 fit players.

The team’s difficulties were compounded within minutes of kicking off in the first match when the team sustained injuries to players in three key positions. This reduced the squad to just 12 effective players. With the first choice fly half, scrum half, inside centre and winger out of action the team were forced into playing inexperienced forwards out of position in a reshuffled three-quarter line. It wasn’t a pretty sight but it was good character building stuff as the boys narrowly lost their first match against their beefy hosts from Woodham Ferrers by 14 points to 7.

In their second match, against Chelmsford, Ashford fell behind to two early tries as the forwards in the three-quarter line struggled to come to terms with their unfamiliar responsibilities. The boys recovered slightly to snatch one try back before half time. However, matters deteriorated further early in the second half when they conceded a third soft try - leaving the team with a two try deficit. At this point, with another rare defeat staring them in the face, the Ashford forward pack took matters into their own hands. Realising the paucity of talent in their backs the Ashford forwards, led by Captain Chris Albrow, changed tactics and repeatedly drove and battered their way into Chelmsford’s territory. The match became a close quarters battle as the Ashford were forwards were desperate to avoid exposing their vulnerable backline to further attack. From 21 points to 7 down, first Albrow and then prop Billy Stevens powered their way over the secure vital scores and draw 21 points all. Despite this being just a draw it was probably the performance of the season.

Try scorers over the two matches were Christopher Albrow with three and Billy Stevens with one. Full back Daniel Head managed a 100% record, kicking all four conversions.

Player of the week was Christopher Albrow.

Ashford RFC U12s Match Report 13th March 2005

2005-03-13T18:23:00.000Z

Ashford blow hot and cold at Dover

Dover 0 Ashford 40 (8 tries)
Following last week’s trip to Hertfordshire, the Ashford Under 12s were back on familiar territory this weekend for an away fixture at Dover. The Ashford boys asserted their superiority over their local rivals by winning 8 tries to nil against home side Dover. A hat trick of tries was scored by George Morgan, a brace by Adam Batt and single tries by Grant Noremac, Alex Rawlins and Chris Albrow.

In recent months, Ashford have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to put weak sides to the sword and run up big scores. Where they seem to have hit a blank spot is in competing with sides that put out a physical set of forwards. This was thoroughly demonstrated in their match against Deal, a side they beat quite easily earlier in the season.

Ashford 10 (2 tries) Deal 15 (3 tries)
In the weekend’s second match Ashford got off to an unusually poor start. In the early exchanges the Ashford forwards were overpowered and conceded territorial advantage to their more physical opponents. Uncharacteristically weak tackling in the backs compounded matters. As a result, the Ashford side conceded 3 tries in the opening half. This was an awful defensive performance by a side that had conceded only 3 tries in total their last 13 matches.

The second half was a different story as the Ashford boys woke up and began to assert themselves. The forwards, led by captain, Chris Albrow gradually forced their way into the game and eventually edged the close quarters contest. Ashford’s first score came when prop Billy Stevens charged over from a tap penalty and then Albrow himself crashed over to reduce the deficit to just one try. With the clock running down Ashford remained in the ascendant but simply ran out of time to level the scores.

Players of the week were Daniel Head and Cameron Veitch.

Ashford's Winning Streak Ends

2005-03-09T23:26:00.000Z

Ashford RFC Under 12s Match Report 6th March 2005

Ashford Under 12’s falter to finally end 22 match winning streak
Ashford Under 12s 22 match winning streak finally ended on Sunday. In order to escape Kent’s snowbound pitches and to face some stronger competition, the team travelled to Fullerians in Hertfordshire to play in a multi-county festival against sides coming from as far afield as Wiltshire. Playing 5 matches, the team got off to a good start scoring 4 tries against the host club’s B-side. However, the recent absence of match practise began to show on the heavy pitches. In the two toughest matches, an off-colour forward performance meant that Ashford’s back line barely received a quality ball in the tougher against local Hertfordshire opposition. Despite this, they battled well until two uncharacteristic lapses in the tackling department saw them lose two close matches by a single try. The boys redeemed themselves with a win over Wiltshire side Salisbury and when their final opponents, Buckinghamshire side Beaconsfield, retired from the tournament, they rounded off the day with an emphatic 5 tries to nil repeat win against their hosts B team.

Results from the Fullerians tournament were as follows:

Fullerians B Nil Ashford 20 (4 tries)
Fullerians A 5 (1 try) Ashford Nil
Ashford Nil Harpenden 5 (1 try)
Ashford 10 (2 tries) Salisbury Nil
Fullerians B Nil Ashford 25 (5 tries)

Try scorers on the day were Christopher Albrow, Grant Noremac and George Sladden with 2 tries apiece, and Louis Burdon, Luke Chinnery, Drummond Clark, George Morgan and Luke Ransley with 1 try each. Joint players of the week were Christopher Albrow and Grant Noremac.

David Burdon

Tonights Training - Thursday 3rd March

2005-03-03T16:13:00.000Z

Dear All,

due to the weather tonight's training is cancelled. I will update you all regarding Sunday's trip to Fullerians.

Regards,

David Burdon

Training Session 27th February

2005-02-27T21:46:00.000Z

Dear players and parents,

many thanks for your support over the weekend. It was obviously very disappointing not to get a match. The weather intervened and there was nothing we could do about it. It was good to see we had a turn out of 18 players for training on Sunday. Given it was the worst conditions we've encountered for a long while you all have my sincere thanks.

Next week don't forget we are away at the Fullerians festival.

Regards,

David Burdon

Cranbrook Fixture Cancelled

2005-02-27T08:01:00.000Z

Ashford Kent Under 12 Rugby

Match cancelled at 7:45am. We will now carry out a fitness session at Ashford.

David Burdon

Cranbrook Fixture Definitely ON

2005-02-26T20:23:00.000Z

Ashford Kent Under 12 Rugby

Tomorrow's fixture at Cranbrook has been confirmed as definitely on. Please be there for 10am. A map is available on the main website. Any problems call me on 01233 663199.

David Burdon 8:20pm 26th February.

Match Cancellation - Saturday 26th

2005-02-24T21:41:00.000Z

Ashford Kent Under 12 Rugby
Saturday's match versus Old Elthamians has been cancelled due to a flooded pitch. Sunday's matches at Cranbrook will still take place.

David Burdon 9:40pm Thursday 24th February.

Mid Kent Water Website

2005-02-24T00:12:00.000Z

Parents,
please have a look at the Mid Kent Water website. You will be impressed with the way the local water company has presented the team. Many thanks to Jane Noremac for securing the sponsorship.

Weather at the weekend

2005-02-23T14:40:00.000Z

Ashford Kent Under 12 Rugby
Weather

I am obviously aware of the snowy conditions and will keep everyone informed if there is a change of plans for the weekend. Please review this site from time to time. I will also send out an e-mail to the 20 or so parents for whom I have an e-mail address. If any one is unsure at any stage please call me on 01233 663199.

David Burdon 23rd February 2005

Ashford Kent Under 12 Rugby

2005-02-16T18:36:00.000Z

Ashford Kent Under 12 Rugby

News: The Club have announced that the Mini's Awards will take place on Sunday 17th April.

Match Report 13th February 2005

2005-02-14T12:50:00.000Z

Strong team effort defeats Essex Champs.

Ashford 10 (2 tries) Romford & Gidea Park 5 (1 Try)

Ashford Under 12s travelled to Medway expecting a gentle run out versus the home side and a couple of the lesser developed sides from within the county. In the event, the two weaker sides cancelled and they were replaced on the fixture card by Essex Under 12 Champions Romford. As well as being Essex champions, the Romfordians had reached last season’s Twickenham semi-finals of the nationally organised Gulliver’s Travels Championship. Romford had apparently ventured into Kent in an attempt to find some stiffer competition - and they certainly found it facing an Ashford Under 12 side chasing their 20^th win on the trot.

From the kick-off Ashford took the challenge to the Essex visitors. After just 2 minutes of play a concerted Ashford drive saw the ball grounded over the opposition try line, only for the referee to rule the ball “held-up”. From the resulting 5-metre scrum, scrum half Luke Ransley broke towards the line and was tackled short. From the resulting melee, hooker George Sladden dived under a pile of bodies to touch down. Five minutes before half time, against the run of play, Romford responded by peeling off the blind side of a maul to level the scores at one try apiece.

In the second half, Ashford re-established their territorial advantage. Ashford’s aggressive midfield tackling forcing a series of errors from the Romford backs. Each time the ball was spilled by their opponents, Ashford‘s back line pace saw the team surge into opposition territory. As frustration got the better of the Essex boys, Ashford were presented with a series of penalty opportunities. From one, tight head prop Billy Stevens barged towards the line. As Stevens was driven into the ingoal, hooker Sladden leached the ball and dived over to score Ashford’s second try. This time Ashford refused to allow Romford back into the match and kept up the territorial pressure. With 5 minutes to go, prop Stevens drove over to score a third “try”. Unfortunately the referee was unsighted and the try was disallowed. However, although deprived of a closeout score, the Ashford boys battled out the last few minutes to secure the win and take a prestigious scalp.

In summary, Romford provided a great test for the Ashford boys, who showed their team spirit and resolve in overcoming a strong and aggressive Under 12 formation.

Medway 0 – Ashford 35 (7 tries)

Ashford’s second game was against the home side. In previous seasons, Medway presented a severe test. This season, however, Ashford’s progress has seen the team open up a clear gap in ability over the North Kent side. Pack leader Chris Albrow opened the try scoring after a break from close to halfway. This was followed by a Billy Stevens try from close range. In total, Ashford scored seven tries. In addition to scores previously mentioned, were a brace of tries each for centres Grant Noremac and Adam Batt and a single try from Luke Ransley. Try of the day came from a lineout catch on half way by lock Albrow. The ball was crisply passed across the complete three quarter line, recycled and then passed back again for centre Noremac to dot down the try.

“A” team player of the week was Alex Rawlins and Development squad player of the week was Jason Tong.

Match Report 6th February 2005

2005-02-06T21:49:00.000Z

Ashford 70 (14 tries) Whitstable 0
Away at Whitstable at the weekend, Ashford Under 12s put in a commanding display and romped to a 14 try victory over the seasiders. For this fixture, Ashford’s forward pack was back to full strength. The power of tight head prop Billy Stevens, the scavenging of loose head prop Glen Caton and the rucking, picking and driving of vice captain Christopher Albrow were just too much for the inexperienced Whitstable opponents.

Ashford got off to an ominously powerful start when they caught the ball from the kick off and immediately drove within 5 metres of their opponents try line. Only a knock-on saved Whitstable the embarrassment of a score within the opening seconds. However, from the resulting scrum Ashford hooked the ball against the head and a quick pass from scrum half Luke Ransley saw fly half Louis Burdon scamper round the blind side and dot down to open the scores.

From the restart, lock Christopher Albrow charged upfield and was caught inches short of a second try. Again, Ashford took the opposition ball from the resulting scrum and this time, centre Adam Batt sprinted to the corner for the touch down. For the third restart, Whitstable kicked high and long. The kick was fielded by fullback Daniel Head who launched a 50 metre counter attack. As the Whitstable defenders closed in Head fed the ball to centre Grant Noremac with a well-timed pass. From 15 metres out Noremac powered over to make the score 15 nil. The pattern of the game was now established. Ashford increasingly dominated the set piece, the tackle zone, the rucks and mauls and the loose. Quick passing meant that Ashford’s backs and mobile forwards were scoring tries almost at will.

As the match came towards a close, Ashford’s ascendance became total. The final score came when prop Billy Stevens charged over from a tap penalty on the half way line. In total, Ashford scored 14 tries without reply. At 70 points to nil the match was stopped early. Ashford’s try scorers were Billy Stevens and Grant Noremac with a hatrick apiece, Adam Batt and Louis Burdon with a brace each, and George Sladden, Harry Atkins, Drummond Clark and Chris Albrow with one each.

Other noteworthy performances were by Alexander Rawlins, who made a sound debut on the wing, and replacement front row Patrick MacEnri. “A” team player of the week was prop Cameron Veitch.

Ashford B 45 (9 tries) Whitstable 0
Ashford’s development squad showed they are developing rapidly when they also achieved a big score against Whitstable. Playing against their opponents "A" team, a much-improved pack produced sufficient ball to run in nine tries. Captain Joseph Brightwell and fellow lock Harvey Piper out shoved and out jumped their heavier opponents. Tackling by the backs was also much improved. Debutant Jason Tong, from Swadelands School, also put in a solid performance. Development squad player of the week was Harry Meredith.

Match Report 23rd January 2005

2005-01-25T18:19:00.000Z

Depleted Ashford extend winning run

Away at Aylesford at the weekend, Ashford U12s started the day minus two of their key ball-winning forwards. Matters were further compounded when the team’s most powerful forward, prop Billy Stevens, announced he was carrying a shoulder injury. The selection difficulties were used to blood relatively inexperienced players, Patrick MacEnri and Lukas Warrilow in the A team starting line up. Despite the setbacks the Ashford boys made it wins 17 and 18 on the trot.

Ashford 20 (4 tries) Aylesford 0
Ashford got off to an ominously poor start when they failed to field the kick-off and immediately conceded a scrum just five metres from their own try line. From the resulting scrum, strong tackling saw them put their opponents on the defensive and the lost territory was soon regained. Matters then greatly improved when fly half Louis Burdon picked up a loose ball and sprinted around the blind side of a ruck to open the scores. Although lacking dominance up front, Ashford nevertheless built a solid half time lead with tries from inside centre Adam Batt and scrum half Luke Ransley. Turning round for the second half, Ashford’s forward effort deteriorated when prop Stevens’ injury required resting. With the flow of possession drying up, the team spent long periods on the defensive. As the clock wound down, outside centre Grant Noremac found himself on the end of a short passing movement and outflanked the Aylesford defence to forced himself over in the corner and secure a four tries to nil victory.

Ashford 10 (2 tries) Edenbridge 5 (1 try)
In their second match of the day, Ashford started brightly. Kicking off, they immediately put their opponents under pressure and forced a scrum near the Edenbridge try line. Ashford’s attacking drive was scrambled into touch and from the resulting line out hooker George Sladden pounced onto a loose ball and dived over to open the scoring. A second try soon followed when Adam Batt sprinted in from half way. After this, however, Ashford allowed the gritty Edenbridge side to edge their way back into the match. Ashford found themselves in the unusual position of being pushed off the rucks and saw hard fought possession choked up in a series of poorly managed mauls. In the end, the inevitable happened when Ashford were pressured back towards their own line and conceded their first try in five matches. Despite their under-performance, the team held on for a two tries to one win.

The players know that they can play much better than this and will learn from the experience of managing with less than their usual share of possession. “A” team player of the week was full back Daniel Head.

In a third match, Ashford’s development squad put in a plucky performance before going down three tries to one against Aylesford’s A team. Development squad player of the week was William Mowl.

Match Report 9th January 2005

2005-01-10T11:44:00.000Z

Ashford trounce Kent Champions in 10 try Rout

Ashford 50 (10 tries) Blackheath 0

Kent Under 12 Champions Blackheath paid the price for bringing an under strength side to Sunday’s official Kent RFU fixture at Ashford. The Ashford Under 12 boys, having built a record of 15 wins in succession, were anticipating a challenging clash against supposedly one of the top Under 12 sides in the country. In the event, the city slickers underestimation of their country cousins ensured an ignominious defeat for the world’s oldest rugby club as Ashford piled on the points in a 10 try rout.

From the first whistle, Ashford dominated all phases of play. At every close quarters encounter the Ashford forward pack drove their opponents backwards – forcing them off the scrum ball and taking the lineout at will. As the Ashford pack rumbled up the field, the high-speed back line exploited huge gaps in the opposition defence.

The Ashford boys asserted their authority from the kick off when the ball was caught cleanly, then driven upfield by the forwards and slickly passed to centre Adam Batt who sprinted past the defensive cover to score the opening try – within 15 seconds of the first whistle. What followed became a record demolition as the Ashford pack led by lock Christopher Albrow and aided and abetted by prop Billy Stevens drove mercilessly into the London side’s forwards. By half-time Ashford led 5 tries to nil.

Turning round for the second half, Ashford had the wind behind them and upped the already impressive scoring rate to a try a minute. The forward dominance became absolute when Prop Billy Stevens bounced his way through a crumbling defence and dotted down the simplest of tap penalties. From the restart, centre Grant Noremac gathered the kick off and nonchalantly galloped the length of the field to score the match’s 10^th and final try. With the opposition no longer putting up meaningful resistance, the referee signalled an early finish to proceedings just 5 minutes into the second half. Ashford try scorers were Adam Batt, Grant Noremac and Chris Albrow with a hatrick apiece and Billy Stevens with 1.

In the final analysis, the Ashford team were irritated that the reigning Kent champions put up such a pitiful effort. What was meant to be one of the season’s toughest encounters turned out to be little more than a training exercise.

At the same fixture Ashford’s B team recorded the season’s first victory with a 4 tries to 2 win over their Blackheath equivalents. Try scorers were George Morgan with 2 and Luke Ransley and Lucas Warrilow with 1 apiece. Development squad player of the week was Liam Sohngen.

Ashford Under 12s Power to 15th win on the trot

2004-12-12T20:08:00.000Z

Ashford Under 12s Match Report 12th December 2004

Ashford U12s Power forward

Just 18 months ago Medway were Kent Championship semi-finalists and considered one of the strongest 4 sides in the county. On Sunday, they were dismembered by a rampart Ashford side that outperformed them in all departments. Powering to their 15th win on the trot, Ashford scored a 7 tries to nil victory against a shell-shocked Medway.

From the kick off Ashford held the upper hand in two crucial areas. An aggressive, ball-winning forward pack led by Christopher Albrow and a rush defence led by fly half Louis Burdon. Outside Burdon, in a powerful defensive formation, were centres Grant Noremac, who pressured his opposite number into spilling the ball, and Adam Batt who used his acceleration to outflank the opposition cover.

Ashford’s forward power and rush defence forced Medway to play virtually the whole match in their own 22. The only time Medway encroached on the Ashford try line was when they kicked long. On the two occasions they did so, full back Daniel Head gathered the loose ball and set up counter attacks that ultimately resulted in tries for the Kinney’s Field youngsters.

Throughout the match, Ashford’s ascendancy was absolute as their forward pack dominated the scrums, lineouts, rucks and mauls and their speedy back line converted territorial advantage into points.

Try scorers were Christopher Albrow, Grant Noremac and Adam Batt with 2 apiece and prop Billy Stevens with 1. Player of the week was winger Drummond Clark.

Continuing their good progress, the Ashford U12 development squad fought valiantly before losing 6 tries to nil against Medway’s A side. Good tackling by Liam Sohngen and Cameron Veitch held the Medway side at bay for long periods.

The Ashford U12s now rest for 3 weekends before confronting Kent Champions Blackheath on 10th January.

David Burdon 12th December 2004

Ashford Under Extend Winning Streak to 14 Matches

2004-12-05T19:43:00.000Z

At the weekend, playing away at Gravesend, Ashford Under 12s enjoyed comfortable wins over Gravesend and Tunbridge Wells and extended their current winning streak to 14 matches.

Gravesend 14 (2 tries) v Ashford 28 (4 tries)
In the opening match, Ashford, playing up a steep slope, suffered from a series of adverse penalty decisions and poor tackling. As a result, they went behind to an early Gravesend try. Ashford bounced straight back when vice captain Christopher Albrow picked up from the base of a ruck, drove over and levelled the scores. Turning round for the second half and with the slope in their favour, Ashford applied sufficient pressure to open up a 3 try lead. Using the contours of the pitch to their advantage, Ashford forced a series of scrums on the Gravesend 5 metre line. From one of these lock George Morgan barged his way through 4 defenders to crash over. Once ahead, Ashford asserted themselves and camped inside the Gravesend half for most of the second half. After a series of close passing moves involving both forwards and backs, scrum half Luke Ransley went outside the defence to score in the corner. From the restart kick, full back Daniel Head set his fellow backs on the attack. When the Ashford attack was held up 5 metres short, prop Billy Stevens gathered and powered through the defending line to touch down. As the clock wound down, Ashford allowed their concentration to slip and rewarded Gravesend with a consolation try. All four of Ashford’s tries were converted by Louis Burdon.

Ashford 15 (3 tries) V Tunbridge Wells 0
In match two, the Ashford boys were expecting a tough fixture from a Tunbridge Wells’ team who’d beaten them in last year’s Kent semi-final. However, going up the slope in the first half, Wells looked out of sorts. Ashford almost went straight into the lead from the kick off, as centre Adam Batt caught the ball and scorched through the Wells’ defence - only to be denied a try as he was held up over the line. Ashford then spent the whole of the first half on the attack. Following a tap penalty charge by prop Stevens, lock Morgan latched onto the offloaded ball and dived over to open the try account. This score was soon followed by further tries from Albrow and prop Glenn Caton as the team opened up a 3 try lead before half time. The second half was a different story as playing with the slope behind them Tunbridge took to the attack. However, solid Ashford tackling at half back and the occasional break upfield, ensured Tunbridge couldn’t exploit the advantage of the incline. Ashford closed out the game and were delighted with a victory over opponents that will be contending for major honours later in the season. Player of the week was Luke Ransley.

Ashford’s development squad showed good progress in playing a mixed A and B level Tunbridge team. The development side competed aggressively and although losing by 3 tries to nil, showed an excellent competitive spirit throughout.

David Burdon 5th December 2004

Match Report 21st November 2004

2004-11-22T09:00:00.000Z

Ashford Under 12s Continue Strong Progress.

Ashford 30 (6 tries) – Aylesford 5 (1 try) Ashford 15 (3 tries) – Sheppey 0

At the weekend, Ashford Under 12s extended their winning streak to 12 matches on the trot.

In their first match, against Aylesford, and fielding their strongest side, Ashford got off to a flying start. From the whistle, fly half Louis Burdon kicked off high and deep, Aylesford failed to catch cleanly, the ball bobbled and alert lock Christopher Albrow sprinted onto the loose ball and drove over to open the scores - after less than 10 seconds. Ashford’s full strength side then proceeded to open up a 4-try lead by half time. To even things up, Ashford, replaced some of their stronger players with their less-experienced development squad members. The changes slowed down the scoring rate and Ashford did start to look a little ragged in defence. Only, aggressive tackling by fullback Luke Ransley maintained order at the rear. However, the team still ran out winners by 6 tries to 1. Two tries apiece were scored by Adam Batt and Billy Stevens. With single tries by Ransley and Albrow.

In their second match, Ashford came up against a mature and extremely abrasive Sheppey side. Despite the physical presence of the visitors, the Ashford boys rose to the challenge. A closely fought game saw Ashford draw ahead at half time, with an Albrow try from close range. The second half also started well for Ashford as their forwards asserted their superiority. In a tight mauling game, Ashford continually drove the visitors back. First centre Grant Noremac and then Albrow scored close quarter tries to seal an emphatic 3 tries to nil win. Player of the week was Lucas Warrilow.

The Ashford Under 12 development squad, led by manager Chris Burden, continued their good progress. Playing games against A team opposition, they showed good spirit and enthusiasm in recording two hard fought defeats. Squad manager Burden is still on the look out for new players from the year 7 age group. Prospective players and their parents will be made extremely welcome at the Canterbury Road ground next Sunday at 10am. The current team is built around a preponderance of players from the Knatchbull and Harvey schools. Players from the Towers, North, Homewood, Christ Church and Swadelands schools are therefore especially welcome. Interested parents or teachers should ring age group coach David Burdon on 01233 663199.

David Burdon

Ashford U12 Tour Announcement

2004-11-15T10:05:00.000Z

The Under 12 Rugby Tour - September 2005
I am proposing to organise a team tour for the beginning of September 2005. Effectively, therefore, its an U13 tour. My rationale is that rather than play a farewell mini tour - as Nick's team did last year - I want the team to hit the ground running, playing the 15 aside game on a full size pitch. We will stay away two nights.

Destination - Northampton
My plan is to go to Northampton. A benefit of touring is that you get to play teams with a different local style. We’ve now had 6 years of playing just Kent teams and we could do with some different opposition! The East Midlands, with teams such as Leicester and Northampton, is one of the strongest parts of the country for youth rugby.

We will play two matches, on Saturday and Sunday, against local east Midland sides and, depending on the Zurich fixture list, try to take in a match at Northampton Saints. One of the teams will be the Northampton Old Scouts, which is the mini/youth club of both Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson. I aim to stay in a cheap hotel - Travel Inn type. We can probably keep costs to £100 per parent/player combination.

I learned some lessons from last year's tour with the U13/U14s to Bognor. Essentially, you don't have to go to far to engender the tour spirit - amongst parents and players - but don't stay at Butlins!!!

Parents
The other lesson is to take sufficient parents. Some of the boys misbehaved. There must be at least one parent designated directly responsible for each player.

Fund Raising
I am aiming to co-ordinate fund raising with the other age groups that are planning to tour. The money raised will principally go towards two areas. Firstly a fund for incidentals and unforeseen costs. Secondly, to form a hardship fund for players from less well of families. If you have any ideas do let me know.

Bank Account and Treasurer
Tour finances are notoriously badly run. Money lost, deposits uncollected and people turn up on the tour without paying. It’s been the same in my 27 years experience of rugby tours. We should set up a bank account. And need a treasurer to administer it. This person could then accept deposits, of say £20 per player/parent, collect weekly payments, and administer expenditure. Could I have a volunteer please? - Note: Since this was originally written, Denise Morgan has volunteered to take on the treasurer's role.

Please let me have your feedback. Then maybe we can organise a meeting to discuss.

David Burdon 14th November 2004

Match Report 7th November 2004

2004-11-08T01:50:00.000Z

Ashford U12s Maintain Sparkling Form at Canterbury Festival

Ashford’s Under 12 rugby team maintained their recent good form for Sunday’s Canterbury festival. Canterbury had purposely invited two of stronger sides from west Kent – Tonbridge Juddians and Westcombe Park – to bolster the strength of the inaugural festival. However, Ashford’s character and determination saw them more than rise to the challenge presented by some of the county’s stronger teams.

In their first match, against Canterbury, the Ashford boys got off to a slow start as a reorganised and disjointed back division failed to make their first up tackles. Conceding 2 tries in the first 5 minutes, half time saw Ashford unexpectedly trailing. However, in the second half, the entry of lock Christopher Albrow and the resurgent power of prop Billy Stevens saw Ashford force Canterbury firmly onto the defensive. Three unanswered scores from Adam Batt, Stevens and George Morgan saw Ashford secure a 3 tries to 2 win.

Match two, against Westcombe Park, saw a more alert Ashford dominate from the first whistle. However, dogged defence by the west Kent side constrained Ashford to a 2 tries to nil victory – with Stevens and Morgan again on the score sheet.

Match three saw a physical, but ultimately easy, match against Tonbridge Juddians. Ashford opened up an early lead as the Ashford pack dominated both possession and territory. The pressure forced a frustrated Tonbridge side to lose their discipline, resulting in a sending off for the west Kent side. At this stage, with the win assured, Ashford threw their less experienced players into the fray. Forwards Patrick Macenri and Adam Burden continued their good progress. New boy Tom Healy also played a creditable first game for the club. Well executed tries by Batt (2), Albrow (2), Stevens, Grant Noremac and Luke Ransley saw Ashford record a 7 tries to nil victory.

The day’s final game saw Ashford rematched against Canterbury. Smarting from Ashford’s recent dominance, the Canterbury team made a determined attempt to secure a win in front of a supportive home crowd. However, Ashford’s superior teamwork, and a resurgent pack, saw Ashford dominate for most of the match. The match remained highly competitive throughout, before Ashford eventually ran out winners by 2 tries to 1. Winger Batt and lock Albrow touching down.

In summary, Ashford’s Under 12s delivered a powerful all round performance. The Ashford forward pack is finally showing signs of realising their true potential. Player of the week was Billy Stevens.

With a growing squad, the team is keen to recruit additional players to create a full size development team. The coaching line-up has been expanded with the appointment of Dave Morgan as forward’s coach and Chris Burden as development squad manager. Interested parents or teachers should contact the team’s coach, David Burdon, on 01233 663199.

David Burdon 7th November 2004

Match Report 31st October 2004

2004-10-31T22:54:00.000Z

Ashford U12s Outstanding at the East Kent Festival

Ashford U12s stormed through Sunday’s East Kent festival at Dover, scoring 18 tries and conceding just 1. In their first match, a tough Canterbury side were dispatched 5 tries to 1. This was followed up by victories against Dover by 6 tries to nil and Thanet by 7 tries to nil.

Although the Ashford scrum rarely fired on all cylinders, the team’s rush defence and support play from the breakdown ensured they dominated territorially throughout the tournament. Try of the day came against Thanet. From a lineout steal by George Morgan, the ball was spun wide for winger Cameron Veitch to race over the try line and touch down unopposed. The score characterised Ashford’s superiority in both the mobility and handling departments.

Eleven players in total made the score sheet. Top of the pile was lock Christopher Albrow with 4, followed by winger Adam Batt with 3. Forwards Glenn Caton and Grant Noremac managed 2 tries each. Single tries were scored by Billy Stevens, George Morgan, Luke Ransley, Luke Chinnery, Cameron Veitch and Louis Burdon. Winger Harry Atkins also joined the score sheet with his first try for the club. Player of the week was Joseph Brightwell.

David Burdon 31st October 2004

Match Report 3rd October 2004

2004-10-19T14:06:00.000+01:00

Ashford Under 12s - reach semis of Medway Festival
Ashford’s Under 12 Rugby team put in a creditable performance at the Medway festival. In only their second competitive weekend of the season, the Ashford side showed signs of their true potential. Unbeaten in the tournament's group stage they managed to reach the semi-finals. In the semi-final, they took an early lead and dominated the opening half. Unfortunately, in the second half, a lack of possession and poor tackling saw them lose to the tournaments eventual winners Sevenoaks.

On the way to the semis, Ashford had wins against Maidstone and Medway and draws against Canterbury and tournament runners up Dartford. Player of the week was Harry Bell, back from a season’s absence. Sterling work was also put in by Cameron Veitch, who, having started at centre threequarter, played at hooker and prop as fitness and injury took their toll of the team’s resources. New signing, Christopher Albrow, put in a storming performance from the second row, winning much loose ball, putting in aggressive driving runs and scoring 2 tries. Other players to make the score sheet were George Morgan, also with 2 tries, and Harvey Piper, Grant Noremac and Luke Ransley with one each.

Summary
The event exposed both the strengths and weaknesses of the team. Early on we managed to dominate most games territorially, but towards the end of matches our lack of fitness, particularly amongst the forwards, left us exposed in defence.

It was good to see a real squad effort. This provided an opportunity for some of our more recent signings to shine. Particularly the contributions made by Harvey Piper and Drummond Clark.

David Burdon

Match Report 17th October 2004

2004-10-19T14:01:00.000+01:00

Ashford Under 12s improve to score 6 tries without reply

Ashford 10 (2 tries) – Deal 0
Ashford came up against a robust Deal side and secured a hard fought two tries to nil win. From the kick-off Ashford’s forwards appeared more cohesive than in this season’s previous games. A good scrummage and quick passing from Daniel Head saw centre Adam Batt beat his marker for speed and race over to score the opening try. At the restart, Deal mis-kicked and gave Ashford a scrum on the halfway line. Another good Ashford scrum created space in midfield from where a driving run from lock Christopher Albrow took the ball to within 10 metres of the Deal try line. The ball was quickly recycled and passed to prop Billy Stevens, who's charge was held up just short of the try line. From the resulting scrum, the Deal defenders spilled the ball and this time Stevens crashed over to score the second try and settle the match.

Ashford 20 (4 tries) – Old Elthamians 0
Ashford pressured the Chislehurst team’s defence straight from the start. A strong run down the wing by Grant Noremac saw him forced into touch just 2 metres from the Elthamians line. At the resulting lineout, prop Stevens made a clean catch, and his fellow forwards drove him infield. As the maul approached the Elthamians line the ball was popped up to Noremac who outpaced the covering defenders to touch down. Ashford dominated possession from this point, spending most of the match in the Elthamians half. Possession quickly turned into points with a try from Adam Batt and a second from Noremac. As the clock wound down fly-half Louis Burdon wrestled the ball from a defender and dived over the line to score the fourth try.

Ashford/Elthamians 0 - Deal 20 (4 tries)
To conclude the fixture we formed a joint side with Old Elthamians. This gave the less experienced players the opportunity to further experience match rugby. Although we lost, several players "got stuck in" and seemed to enjoy themselves.

David Burdon